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Future Cubs Ace Named Rookie of the Year Finalist

By
Aldo Soto
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Aug 23, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton (22) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

The last time a Chicago Cubs pitcher won National League Rookie of the Year was in 1998, when Kerry Wood took home the award. Now, nearly 30 years later, right-hander Cade Horton is trying to snap the drought for the Cubs.

On Monday night, Horton was officially nominated as one of the three finalists for 2025 NL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award alongside Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin and Milwaukee Brewers infielder Caleb Durbin.

Horton pitched in 23 games for the Cubs this year, including 22 starts. His MLB debut was a four-inning appearance after the team used an opener against the New York Mets on May 10. Horton was exceptional down the stretch, posting a 1.03 ERA in his last 12 starts, following the All-Star break.

The 2022 first round pick out of Oklahoma ended his rookie season with a 2.67 ERA in 118 innings. He had a 1.08 WHIP, struck out 97, walked 33 and allowed a total of 10 home runs.

Meanwhile, Baldwin posted a 125 wRC+ with a .274/.341/.469 slash line in 446 plate appearances with the Braves. The catcher clubbed 19 home runs and drove in 80 runs, so he’ll definitely present the biggest threat to Horton’s chances of taking home the Rookie of the Year Award.

As for Durbin, the rookie slashed .256/.334/.387, with a 105 wRC+ in 506 plate appearances. He hit 11 home runs and stole 18 bases with the Brewers.

Since 1998, when Wood won the award with the Cubs, eight other pitchers have been named the winner in the National League. The last Cubs player to win NL Rookie of the Year was Kris Bryant in 2015.

Cade Horton Wins Sporting News ROY

The Chicago Cubs had the unfortunate luck of not having right-handed pitcher Cade Horton available in the postseason after the rookie starter suffered a rib fracture caused by a severe cough while he was dealing with an illness. Still, you can’t take away from his regular season success and on Thursday Horton was honored for his awesome debut year as the 24-year-old was named 2025 National League Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News.

Horton made his MLB debut on May 10, against the New York Mets and remained with the Cubs for the remainder of the season. Eventually, Horton wasn’t only the best starting pitcher on the team, his second-half performance led all pitchers in baseball. If it wasn’t for the late-season injury, Horton would have started Game 1 of the postseason for the Cubs.

The Cubs’ pitcher won the Sporting News NL Rookie of the Year award, which is voted by 320 players in the major leagues.

Via The Sporting News.

The Chicago Cubs’ rotation took an early hit when Justin Steele went down with a season-ending elbow injury, but rookie starter Cade Horton stepped in and stepped up after joining the unit in May.

The former first-round pick out of Oklahoma posted a 2.67 ERA across 22 starts and one relief appearance, allowing 10 home runs in 118 innings and posting a 1.09 WHIP.

Horton only improved as the season went on. He flipped a switch in July, pitching to a stellar 1.03 ERA over his final 12 starts and allowing more than one earned run only once over that span. While not a heavy swing-and-miss pitcher, Horton mastered the art of soft contact and gave the Cubs another reliable rotation arm as they pursued a postseason berth.

While an injury kept Horton off the mound in October, the right-hander’s excellent regular season makes him the Cubs’ first Sporting News Rookie of the Year since Kris Bryant in 2015. 

The Baseball Writers’ Association of America will announce the official 2025 rookie of the year awards for each League in November. If Horton finishes in the top-two for that award, then he’ll be credited with a full year of service time for his 2025 season, which would get him to free agency one year sooner.

While the Cubs were competing in the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers, Horton was teasing a return to the mound if the Cubs advanced. He said he was feeling pain-free after throwing a bullpen session at Wrigley Field. He should be good to go once spring training kicks off in February in 2026.

Horton proved his worth as a rookie and there’s no doubt that he’ll play a big part in the future success of the Cubs. This Sporting News award should be the first of many awards to come for Horton.

Everyone Missed A Diabolical Caleb Williams Moment Before Winning Drive

By
Erik Lambert
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caleb williams
Nov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears had everything in hand. Tremaine Edmunds had intercepted Joe Flacco in the red zone. The lead was 41-27. All the team needed was one more first down to pretty much put the game out of reach. Instead, they stalled. Cincinnati got the ball back, scored quickly, got the onside kick, and then scored again. All in less than two minutes of game time. Just like that, the Bears had endured yet another gutwrenching 4th quarter collapse. There were only 54 seconds left. Fans had seen this movie before. Heads were down. Disbelief was rampant. Only one person was smiling: Caleb Williams.

No, seriously. Most fans probably didn’t notice at the time because they were apoplectic with rage and despair. As the Bears’ offense prepared to go onto the field for the final drive, cameras found Williams on the sideline. He didn’t look shellshocked or consumed with doubt. He was grinning. It was brief. Only a few seconds, but the signs were unmistakable. Williams didn’t look rattled. He looked in control. He seemed to sense the moment. He had 54 seconds and a timeout. There was no reason to panic. If he executed the offense, there was an opportunity to still get in range for a game-winning field goal attempt.

Caleb Williams proceeded to deliver.

It didn’t start well. Each of his first two passes was an incompletion. Suddenly facing 3rd and 10, the Bears were in danger of letting everything fall apart. Then Caleb Williams pulled one of his trademark Houdini acts, escaping pressure and scrambling for 14 yards, getting a 1st down. On the next play, he fired arguably the best pass of his career up the seam to Colston Loveland, who was surrounded by defenders. The rookie tight end bounced off two tackles and rumbled the remaining 58 yards for the go-ahead touchdown.

Chicago stopped Cincinnati’s subsequent Hail Mary attempt a few seconds later and escaped with a 47-42 victory. It was easily the wildest ending to a game in recent Bears history. It was also Williams’ third 4th quarter comeback in the last five games. People have criticized him plenty this year. One thing is inescapable. He can make it happen when the Bears need it most.

Why the Bears Need to Sign This Player Now Before They Blow Their Playoff Shot

By
Ficky
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Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) walks the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Alright y’all, buckle up. This isn’t your run‑of‑the‑mill offseason blurb. We’re in full crisis mode. The secondary for the Chicago Bears is on life support right now, and there’s one free agent who fits the exact template of what this team needs. That guy is Asante Samuel Jr. And if the Bears don’t act fast, they’ll look back on this moment and regret sitting by while a playoff ticket evaporated.

The Cornerback Crisis — It’s Real, It’s Ugly

Let’s lay it bare: Chicago’s in deep. All four cornerbacks are either down or already had some sort of injury this season.

  • Jaylon Johnson (Pro Bowl level) is on IR after core‑muscle surgery.
  • Kyler Gordon is on IR with groin/calf issues.
  • Tyrique Stevenson was week‑to‑week with a shoulder injury.
    And the depth? Terell Smith is done for the year (torn patellar tendon).

They’re ranked 29th in points allowed (28.4 PPG) this year. A dramatic fall from 7th in 2024.

That’s unacceptable for a team that believes it can make a run.
Internal options? Not remotely ready. This is a need and a half.

Who Is Asante Samuel Jr.? — The Data Speaks

Before you say, “But wasn’t he hurt?” Yes. But let’s focus on what he was when healthy — and why his profile fits Chicago’s scheme.

Ball production / playmaking

  • 37 career passes defensed, 6 interceptions over early NFL stint.
  • According to SI, his 80.8 PFF coverage grade across 2022‑2023 ranked 12th among 67 qualifying corners.
    This guy knows how to get his hand on the ball and make plays. That’s exactly what you want when your secondary is brittle and you need impact now.

Coverage metrics

  • Career completion % allowed around 59.5%, below league average of ~62%.
  • His PFF coverage grade in 2022/23: ~75.6 → maps to “elite” territory.
    For a CB in a zone‑heavy scheme, that’s gold.
Samuel’s completion percentage allowed trends compared to the 62% league average, showing his 2022 season peak performance at 55.2%.

Durability / availability (context, not sugarcoated)

  • From 2021‑2023: started 43 of 46 possible games (~93.5% availability).
  • 2024? Snapped by injury (neck surgery / shoulder issues) and only 4 games.
    So yes, there’s a “but” here. But if you believe he’s healthy now (and the medical things check out), then you’re buying high on his prime years (25‑26 years old) for relatively low cost.

Why He’s a Perfect Fit for DC Dennis Allen / Scheme

This isn’t just “good corner available.” This is “corner available whose strengths map 1:1 to your defensive DNA.”

  • Allen’s defense spends ~67% of snaps in zone — Samuel’s best work has come in zone‑heavy systems.
  • He showed strong press/man ability in college (allowed just 12% completion rate in press).
  • The ball‑hawk mindset lines up with Allen’s priority on turnovers.

In short: the scheme engineers built this corner. If the Bears plug him in, you’re not changing much — you’re plugging in someone built for it.

Samuel’s elite fit in Allen’s zone-heavy scheme with exceptional grades in ball skills and tackling, though man coverage presents a learning opportunity.

Financial/Market Case — Low Risk, High Upside

Here’s where this gets interesting: The cost is manageable. The upside is big.

  • Pre‑injury projections: 4 years, ~$48m ($12m AAV) per Spotrac.
  • After injury: One‐year “prove‐it” deal in the $8–10m range. 
  • Bears cap space: ~$7.88m currently. With restructures/incentives, this is within reach.

So you’re not mortgaging the future. You’re buying what could be a top‑tier corner for one year at modest cost. If it works, you keep or re‑sign. If it doesn’t, you walk away without catastrophe.

Timing & Urgency — Why Waiting Is a Mistake

  • Bears are 5‑3 in a tight NFC North race: Lions 5‑3, Packers 5‑2‑1, Bears 5‑3, Vikings 4‑4. Time is ticking.
  • Multiple teams are already sniffing around Samuel (Dolphins, Saints, Bills, etc).
  • Also: Bears remaining schedule features several high‑powered passing offenses. If the secondary continues to get gashed, the season slips away.

If you’re going to bring him in, you do it now. Waiting means fewer choices, tougher negotiation, and risk losing him to someone else.

The Alternatives — Why They Don’t Measure Up

  • Trade targets: Riq Woolen (inconsistent, high draft cost).
  • Alontae Taylor (rookie deal, less proven).
  • Free agents: In this tier of CBs, Samuel stands out. Younger, more ball production, higher ceiling.

So you can chase “someone okay” or go for the guy who’s been there when healthy and fits your system. The choice is obvious.

Risks — Let’s Be Real

  • Injury history: 2024 neck/shoulder. Must verify health.
  • Tackle/run support may be weaker than ideal
  • Transition: If he comes in, he has to adapt quickly to a new team, playbook, environment.

But those risks are mitigated by the one‑year deal + incentive structure + his age (25). So it’s not a hopeless gamble — it’s a calculated one.

Final Verdict

The Bears are staring at a division and playoff race where the secondary could be the Achilles’ heel.
They’ve got a cornerback on the market who fits their defensive identity, which they badly need, whose cost is manageable, whose upside is high — and all the stars align for a signing now.

If I were sitting in the Ryan Poles chair? I’m on the phone tonight to Samuel’s agent: “Let’s make this work.”

Because if the Bears hesitate, wait, or settle? They’ll probably look back at this moment as the one they missed the boat on. And that will f*ckin suck. 

Ryan Poles you know what to do.

Chicago Bears Apparently Rewrote The Record Books In That Crazy Win

By
Erik Lambert
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caleb williams
Nov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) celebrates with wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) after a Bears touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Everything about that game on Sunday was insane. Nothing about it made sense. The Chicago Bears made every mistake possible on special teams, including an opening kickoff touchdown and allowing an onside kick recovery. The defense allowed 40-year-old Joe Flacco to throw for 470 yards and four touchdowns. In almost every circumstance imaginable, that is a game the Bears lose every time. Yet they didn’t. Caleb Williams accounted for four touchdowns, including three through the air. Kyle Monangai led a ground attack that had 283 yards, and the offense piled up 47 points.

Games like that defy all logic and often change the record books in unexpected ways. Sure enough, some wild numbers emerged after the dust settled. Let’s start with this gem. Apparently, that was the Bears’ first victory in franchise history where they allowed 42 points or more. Remember, they’ve existed for over a century.

It gets better. Colston Loveland is the first Bears rookie tight end to cross 100 yards in a game since Mike Ditka in 1961. Caleb Williams is the first QB with two receptions in a game since 1953. He’s also the first QB ever to have multiple passing touchdowns, multiple receptions, and a receiving touchdown. Loveland also had the third-longest TD reception by a rookie in the final two minutes since 1970.

The Chicago Bears are doing uncharacteristic things.

Last season, the team scored 310 points total in 17 games. Through the first eight games of 2025, they have scored 218. They are on pace for 456 this year, which would tie the franchise record set by the 1985 championship team. Nothing about this Chicago Bears team makes sense, and that is probably a good thing. The old ways of doing things stopped working a long time ago. This franchise has struggled to join the modern era for years. At last, it seems they’ve found their way thanks to the arrivals of Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson.

One thing is for sure. That game won’t be forgotten for a long, long time. It was exciting, agonizing, and filled to the brim with memorable moments. The Bears haven’t provided anything like it in ages. It’s rather fitting they broke some strange records along the way.

Rome Odunze’s Father Sparks Wild Trade Drama in Chicago

By
Dave
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rome odunze
Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears are 5-3 and very much in the NFC playoff picture. But instead of basking in mid-season success, the team is dealing with a surprising distraction: an account appearing to belong to wide receiver Rome Odunze’s father has publicly called for the Bears to trade his son — claiming the team isn’t using him enough in the passing game.

It’s a bizarre headline, especially considering Odunze’s solid production. Through nine games, he’s recorded 31 receptions for 473 yards and five touchdowns, while being targeted on over 25% of his routes — the highest rate on the team. Rome has 56 targets which is the most on the team and tied for 22nd in the NFL. So while the Bears offense has been up and down, it’s clear Odunze is still considered a key part of the passing attack.

That makes the public trade demand even more puzzling, especially for a winning team with a young quarterback and wide receiver still developing chemistry. Odunze and Caleb Williams seemed to hit the ground running early in the season, with big plays and moments. But recent struggles — including just three targets and zero catches last week — have seemingly sparked frustration.

Still, it’s hard to imagine Rome himself wants this drama. He seems focused and mature, and airing grievances publicly feels like an unnecessary distraction — one that could undermine the strong relationship he and Williams are building.

For now, it’s noise. But if it grows louder, the Bears will have a real situation to manage.

Need For Speed: Why New Arrival May Be More Than A Short-Term Fix For Blackhawks

By
Isaac Nielsen
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Sep 28, 2025; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Blackhawks forward Oliver Moore (11) looks to shoot against the Minnesota Wild during the first period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

When the Blackhawks broke camp with the 23 players currently on their roster earlier this fall, it went without saying that there would be plenty of moves between Chicago and Rockford for several players in the system. The cupboards are full for the Blackhawks, forcing them into leaving NHLers—or future NHLers—like Nick Lardis, Joey Anderson, Kevin Korchinski, and Ethan Del Mastro down with the IceHogs.

When center Jason Dickinson aggravated his shoulder injury in Thursday’s game against the Jets, a door for one of those players was cracked open. While Dickinson was initially considered day-to-day, the situation now seems to require a bit longer of a time frame—he was placed on injured reserve retroactive to October 30. On the bright side, that allows one young standout to get some valuable ice time. Oliver Moore, the fastest and perhaps most exciting player in the system, was recalled by the Blackhawks on Monday to join the team in Seattle.

Moore, a 20-year-old left-shot forward, has posted nine points, including six goals, in nine games with the IceHogs this season. His goals total leads all AHL rookies, while he finds himself in a tie for fourth in points. It’s a welcome change from the concerning numbers he posted at the University of Minnesota last season—while 33 points in 38 games isn’t a bad mark by any stretch, there were questions as to whether the finishing touch could match his elite speed. Those questions have been answered, and none of those goals have come on the power play. His skating ability is something that opposing coaches have to gameplan around, and that’s a valuable asset to have at any level.

While the Blackhawks only had an optional “morning” skate on Monday (1:30 p.m. CST), head coach Jeff Blashill said that Moore will be slotted into the lineup against the Kraken. We won’t know the lines for sure until warmups, and it’s tough to tell where he might end up. There’s an argument to be made for putting him on the same line as Connor Bedard, as his speed in tandem with Bedard’s playing ability would be lethal, but Bedard has also been outstanding with Ryan Green and Andre Burakovsky. The Teravainen–Nazar–Bertuzzi second line has been solid as well, and Moore likely won’t ever find himself on a checking line.

While this may seem at first glance like a simple injury replacement, it isn’t out of the question that Moore could stick in Chicago. The Blackhawks have utilized an 11 forward/7 defenseman lineup for almost the entire season, and while it’s brought them plenty of success, that trend may not last them forever. If Dickinson returns to the lineup only to find out that Moore has been fitting into the NHL perfectly, Chicago could keep them both at this level and send someone else to Rockford. If he manages to outplay a bottom-liner like Landon Slaggert, he could force the Blackhawks’ hand. If that happens, the Blackhawks—already a fun team to watch this year—could get even more exciting.

Dayo Odeyingbo Injury Revealed To Be Far Worse Than Feared

By
Erik Lambert
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dayo odeyingbo
Oct 26, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (5) runs with the ball as Chicago Bears defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (55) chases in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears haven’t caught a break at edge rusher this year. Austin Booker injured his knee in the preseason, robbing him of the first seven games. Next came Shemar Turner, who missed most of training camp with one injury and then tore his ACL last week in Baltimore. He was joined by Dominique Robinson, who has a high ankle sprain. Fans thought it couldn’t get much worse. Well, they should know better than to tempt fate like that. Dayo Odeyingbo, who signed for $16 million per year this offseason, left the game against the Cincinnati Bengals with what was called an ankle injury.

Tests have revealed it was much worse than expected. Odeyingbo has torn his Achilles. He will require surgery and miss the rest of the season.

First and foremost, one can only feel bad for Odeyingbo. He’d been struggling through the first half of the season, unable to generate any consistent pressure. His biggest contribution was as a run defender. To have things end this way must leave a sour taste in his mouth. Additionally, it leaves the Bears dangerously thin up front.

Options to replace Dayo Odeyingbo are few.

Their only viable free agent option is DeMarcus Walker. He plays a similar style to Odeyingbo and is already familiar with the locker room. He’d be a welcome addition in that regard. Outside of that, the only path forward is the trade market. The deadline is Tuesday afternoon, and there are several potential edge rushers available. The problem for GM Ryan Poles is finding somebody who can help without giving away too much to get them. It doesn’t feel like the Bears are eager to fork over a high draft choice for somebody they may not keep after this season.

This doesn’t even cover what they do about Dayo Odeyingbo next year. Trading him is impossible and even cutting him is unlikely because of his contract. There is no telling when he will be healthy again. Achilles injuries take a long time to heal and even longer to fully recover from. There is a significant amount of work to be done to get this problem fixed.

The Radio Calls On Colston Loveland’s Game-Winning TD Are Must-Listen

By
Erik Lambert
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colston loveland
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) catches a pass and runs for a go ahead touchdown as Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (44) and Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Josh Newton (28) attempt to stop him in the fourth quarter of the NFL football game between Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Nov. 2, 2025.

Colston Loveland capped off one of the wildest games in recent NFL history. The backdrop was simple. Both the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals knew a loss in that game could torpedo their seasons. That is why it was played with a near-frantic energy. Things seemed relatively tame in the first half as Cincinnati led 20-17. Then things went off the rails. In 30 minutes of football, the two teams combined for 52 points. That includes 21 in the final 1:43 of the game. All of it was capped by Loveland, a rookie tight end, taking it 58 yards to the house with 17 seconds left to stun the Bengals.

It was undeniably the craziest game of the season, and you can bet the radio calls of that final play reflected the emotions involved. We’ll start with the great Jeff Joniak. As usual, he captures the intensity of the moment as Caleb Williams took the snap, and his voice hits another octave when Loveland breaks those two tackles to break free.

By contrast, you can almost sense the dread from Bengals announcer Dan Hoard. He’d seen that defense implode too many times already. Sure enough, his crushing disappointment settled in as Loveland broke free.

@_piccone1

shouldn’t have voted for a tush push ban #nfl #nflfootball #nfltiktok #football #footballtiktok #cincinnatibengals #bears #chicagobears bengals

♬ original sound – Nick Piccone – Nick Piccone

Colston Loveland provided a moment the Bears haven’t seen in a long time.

The last one that comes to mind is Eddie Jackson’s pick-six against Detroit on Thanksgiving in 2018. That was when Bears fans knew something special was happening with that team. It’s hard to say where the Bears are headed. All they know is they’re 5-3 with a huge opportunity to build momentum or a playoff push. The fact that Colston Loveland, their prized 10th overall pick, was the one who got them here is a great sign for their future. It was why they drafted him. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson both felt he could change games.

Joniak must be thrilled about it. He hasn’t had many chances to call a wild win like that in years. Usually, the Bears are on the wrong side of such games. That sequence was a reminder of how great he can be when the team is successful.

Nico Hoerner’s 2nd Gold Glove Win More Impressive Than You Think

By
Aldo Soto
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Jul 26, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) throws the ball during a game against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs had three players win a gold glove at their respective position for the 2025 season and while Pete Crow-Armstrong led the group with the best highlight tape it was Nico Hoerner‘s second win that was even more impressive than fans may think. No, it’s not because Hoerner lapped the field on pretty much every single defensive metric among National League second basemen, it’s the fact that Hoerner did that while still feeling the effects of his offseason surgery on his throwing arm and wasn’t 100% healthy until July.

Hoerner, who was honored with his first gold glove in 2023, was named the winner on Sunday night as the infielder cemented his legacy as one of the best defensive second baseball in all of baseball with his second piece of hardware.

The Cubs didn’t want to rush Hoerner back from right flexor tendon surgery entering the 2025 season, which is why Hoerner did not make the trip over to Japan in the middle of March for the Tokyo Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hoerner remained in Arizona, where he continued to rehab in hopes of being ready for the domestic opening day against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Hoerner started in 156 of 162 regular season games, including 153 at second base. He led the position with 17 defensive runs saved, 14 outs above average and ranked No. 1 on FanGraphs for fielding runs above average. The second baseman wasn’t even doing any of his regular pre-game throwing until after the All-Star break.

Via Marquee Sports Network.

He missed the once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan to open the season in the Tokyo Series, as he stayed back in Arizona to continue his rehab and ensure he was ready for the domestic opener. And even when he returned, he wasn’t really himself.

Hoerner didn’t begin throwing in his pregame work until around the second half of the season.

“I think the All-Star break was pretty helpful this year, having a little time off in the middle of the year,” Hoerner said.

Now, Hoerner will once again have the benefit of a normal offseason, so the sky is the limit for the two-time gold glover. One thing’s for sure, Hoerner will 100% put in all his effort as he’s shown throughout his career.

(Previous Update)

Nico Hoerner’s status for Opening Day has been looming over the Cubs’ this offseason and now it’s finally been confirmed. It’s been trending this way since Hoerner showed up to spring training and on Thursday the Cubs revealed that their starting second baseman will not be going to Japan in March and will miss the first two games of the regular season against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Hoerner underwent right flexor tendon surgery back in October and while the injury is most commonly seen in pitchers the timeline always worked against the infielder being ready for the Cubs’ first two games in the middle of March.

It’s not all bad news, though, as Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Hoerner remains on track to play at the end of March. The Cubs start their normal regular season against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Following the pair of games in Japan the Cubs will return to prepare for Opening Day across MLB on March 27.

So, while his teammates are in Japan, Hoerner will remain in camp and will continue to ramp up by playing in minor league scrimmages.

(Previous Update)

Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner had a surprise surgery following the end of the 2024 regular season and everything we’ve heard about his status for the start of 2025 doesn’t paint a rosy picture for the 2023 gold glove winner. Hoerner was recently on 670 The Score and even he couldn’t confidently say that he would be fully healthy by the time spring training comes around in February.

Hoerner, who played in 151 of the team’s 162 games this past season, underwent right flexor tendon surgery in early October. During his appearance on the Spiegel & Holmes Show Thursday, Hoerner was asked directly if he would be ready when the Cubs report to Mesa, Ariz., to begin preparation for the 2025 season. Here’s how Hoerner responded.

Via 670 The Score.

“There are no worries about February like you’ll be full go by training camp,” Laurence Holmes asks.

“No, I don’t know. We’re working on it. I think projecting that far out ahead is a bit challenging. It’s an injury that most of the timelines I feel like are based on pitchers. So, I think there’s going to be some feel throughout that process, but I’m feeling good about it right now.”

Sure, I’d love for Hoerner to say that he’ll be 100% in four months, but at the same time this is his first ever surgery and like he pointed out most of the timelines for returns are based on pitchers, who primarily get the flexor tendon surgery.

Hoerner said the arm issue mainly effected his throwing, jokingly pointing out his throws during the month of September. Meanwhile, the second baseman hit .355 in the final month of the season, sixth-best among all players in MLB.

So, hopefully Hoerner’s rehab goes as smooth as possible this offseason. Fingers crossed that he’ll be fine by the start of spring training.

(Previous Update)

Ummm, this seems bad. We always expect to hear an announcement or two during the offseason regarding a player needing surgery and you always cross your fingers that it isn’t something big, but this surgery to Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner seems major.

On Monday, the Cubs announced that Hoerner underwent right flexor tendon surgery earlier in October.

This is coming completely out of nowhere because although Hoerner did miss a few games on two separate occasions during the 2024 season he never went on the injured list and played in 151 games. Hoerner did deal with a hand fracture back in June, but he was back in the lineup after only missing a handful of games. No idea if this new development is related.

There’s still no word from the Cubs regarding a timetable for Hoerner’s recovery, but at the very least his offseason program will be affected by this procedure. Will he be ready by spring training? Will this affect his performance at the plate in 2025?

Another big issue is that whether you believe he should be shopped or not this winter, Hoerner undergoing a serious surgery pretty much sinks his trade value during the next 4-5 months.

Hoerner, 27, will begin the 2025 season with two years left on his contract with the Cubs.

Why The Bears May Be Rethinking Trade Deadline Moves

By
Dave
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dayo odeyingbo
Oct 26, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (5) runs with the ball as Chicago Bears defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (55) chases in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears defense may be facing a costly setback. Defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo, who signed a three-year, $45 million deal with Chicago this past offseason, was seen leaving the locker room on crutches with a large brace on his ankle following Sunday’s stunning win over the Cincinnati Bengals. While official word on the injury is pending, early indications point toward a multi-week absence — a troubling development for a player who has already underperformed relative to his contract.

@sportsmockerychi

Bears move to 5-3 on the season but that may have been the craziest Bears game I’ve ever watched..

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Odeyingbo’s time in Chicago has been nothing short of disappointing. Signed to be a disruptive force along the defensive line, he’s instead produced a string of underwhelming performances. Through eight games, he’s failed to consistently generate pressure. For a player earning $15 million annually, the lack of impact has quickly become a concern — and now, that concern is paired with injury uncertainty.

This all comes at a critical time for the Bears, who are already rumored to be aggressive ahead of the trade deadline. Reports surfaced before Sunday’s win that GM Ryan Poles was exploring moves to boost the roster. That was before the team pulled off a wild win against Cincinnati, putting Chicago back into the playoff conversation.

The urgency is only growing. The 2025 NFL trade deadline is on Tuesday, November 4th. With Odeyingbo’s injury and lackluster play now factoring in, defensive line reinforcements could jump to the top of Poles priority list.

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